Spacecraft Operations Engineer II/Senior

Responsibilities

• Leverage automation and software-driven solutions for efficient spacecraft mission execution
• Design, develop, and test ground software and scripting for automated operations
• Develop flight software sequences, FDIR, and telemetry configurations
• Maintain continuous integration and testing of operational code
• Support on-call shifts and operations
• Develop test methods, data analysis, interface specifications, and CONOPS
• Run validation against spacecraft simulation tools like flatsat and HITL
• Support AIT teams during integrated tests such as TVAC and propulsion stack tests
• Perform requirements validation and verification for subsystems and missions
• Provide technical interface support between Auckland and Long Beach engineering teams

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering (software, computer, electrical, aerospace, mechanical, or similar)
• 2+ years of experience for Engineer II or 5+ years for Senior Engineer I in space mission design, satellite subsystems, or spacecraft operations
• Understanding of spacecraft subsystems (ADCS, EPS, communications, C&DH, thermal control)
• Knowledge of orbital mechanics and rigid body dynamics
• Software development experience in Python, Ruby, C, or C++
• Active U.S. Government Security Clearance with TS eligibility

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s or PhD in a relevant engineering discipline
• Prior experience in spacecraft operations or satellite system design
• Experience with ground systems
• Exposure to modern development practices including GIT, CI/CD, and cloud infrastructure
• Experience with Software-in-the-Loop (SIL) and Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) testing
• Active TS/SCI U.S. Government Security Clearance

About the Company

Rocket Lab is an end-to-end space company delivering responsive launch services, complete spacecraft design and manufacturing, payloads, satellite components, and more.